Hello, friends, I'm back from the tribute at the Surf
in Clear Lake, Iowa!

We had a blast, of course, despite it taking nearly 7
hours to get there (bad weather in K.C. added about 2
hours to our trip). We arrived Wednesday around 4:30
or so, and started getting ready for the Rock and Roll
Dance Party tour put together by Denny Farland, et al.
The highlights of the night included meeting (in no
particular order) Carl Bunch (drummer on the WDP '59
tour), Tommy Allsup (guitarist on WDP '59 tour), Peggy
Sue Gerron, Bobby Vee, Ernie Valens (Ritchie's
cousin), George Tomsco (of the Fireballs), Gary and
Ramona Tollett (backup singers on That'll Be The
Day/Looking for Someone to Love), David Bigham (of the
Roses, sang backup on several Crickets songs), and
Larry Welborn (played string bass on That'll be the
Day/Looking for Someone to Love). Got pics of most of
these great folks, and many autographs as well. Also
purchased a GREAT reprint of Waylon, Buddy & Tommy
singing during the WDP. The concert was fabulous, of
course! Thanks to all who had a hand in putting it
together :)

Thursday we went out to the crash site (thanks, Dan!)
and then kicked around town before getting ready for
another night of fun & music. Music was provided by
the Whitesidewalls, who recorded I Know I'll Have the
Blues Again -- one of only two songs that Buddy wrote
but never recorded himself (don't know off the top of
my head when they recorded this, though). Spent a lot
of time meeting up w/ friends from last year, and
making new friends.

Friday afternoon was spent at the Brit Luncheon -- a
special thanks to Margaret and all her hard work on
this! Got to sit with Gary and Ramona Tollett and
Jerry and Barbara Dwyer (Jerry owned Dwyer's Flying
Service in Mason City). They're all wonderful,
friendly people. The music was very informal but
outstanding! Again, lots of visiting, making new
friends, etc., etc. Friday night was spent at the
Sock Hop -- my favorite night! I didn't win any dance
or costume contest but still managed to have fun!! DJ
Randy Chesterman played lots of Buddy music and video
clips. The evening ended with Don McLean's American
Pie (I didn't cry this year).

Saturday morning we went to the crash site again
before stopping by the memorabilia show at the Surf.
By this time I had developed a head cold so I was
kinda drugged out on Sudafed! The Big Concert Sat.
night included The Drifters, The Tokens, Freddy
Cannon, Tommy Roe, The Crystals, Rockin' Robin and
J.P. Richardson, Jr. I wimped out early, went back to
the motel for more Sudafed and then conked out early.
My sister reported that a good time was had by all :)

It's a wonderful feeling being with so many other fans
from all over the world who love Buddy Holly and his
music. I really can't think of the words to describe
this feeling -- those of you who have been know what I
mean, and those of you who haven't been, I hope you
can go next year.

A special hello to all my friends (again, no
particular order) -- Dan H., Donnie B. (a great
guitarist, drummer & dancer!), Anna, Noelle P., Clive
H., Margaret & John M., Chris, Jeff J., Collin, Dave
W., Nicky, Dawn H., Glen, Kip, Steve (and Andi and the
wild group from MN), Shawn and Darlene, Denny F., Paul
K., and many, many more. Have a great year, guys, keep
playin' the music and I hope to see you in 361 days!!

Cheryl


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